schrecklich
/ˈʃʁɛklɪç/
The English word "horrible" is translated into German as schrecklich.
schrecklich is used to describe something that is tremendously bad. Similar to its use in English, it can also function as an adverb to intensify an adjective, meaning "terribly" or "awfully" (for example, schrecklich kalt for "terribly cold").
Meaning: tremendously bad (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from Schreck (fright/terror) and the suffix -lich (like/full of), literally meaning "full of fright".
Which one should you use?
While schrecklich and furchtbar are often interchangeable synonyms for "horrible", furchtbar carries a slightly stronger connotation of "dreadful" or "fearful". Additionally, Grauenhaft translates to "dreadful" in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, schrecklich must take various endings depending on the gender, case and article of the noun it modifies, such as schreckliche for feminine or plural nominative/accusative forms.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃʁɛklɪç/
Did you know?
- The word Schreck is related to the English verb 'to shriek', as both involve a sudden, sharp reaction to fear or surprise.
- The word Grauenhaft shares its root with Grauen, which refers to the 'shuddering' or 'shivering' one does when feeling horror.
- While 'schrecklich' is often used for negative things, it can also function as an intensifier for positive adjectives, similar to saying 'terribly good' in English.
Examples in context
- Es ist alles schrecklich.Everything's horrible.This sentence is useful for saying everything is horrible using schrecklich.Tatoeba #12378054 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9065365 by shekitten
- Du siehst schrecklich aus.You look horrible.This sentence is useful for saying someone looks horrible using schrecklich.Tatoeba #631704 by kolonjano, translation #2255037 by CK
- Ich fühle mich schrecklich.I feel horrible.This sentence is useful for saying one feels horrible using schrecklich.Tatoeba #1688243 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2245746 by CK
- Die Situation war schrecklich.The situation was horrible.
- Das Essen war furchtbar.The food was horrible.
- Das Wetter ist heute echt mies.The weather is really horrible today.
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are discussing a movie they just watched.
- LukasDer Film war wirklich schrecklich.The movie was really horrible.
- JuliaJa, das Ende war schrecklich.Yes, the ending was horrible.
- LukasIch habe die ganze Zeit gelitten.I suffered the whole time.
- JuliaDas verstehe ich, er war furchtbar.I understand that, it was terrible.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry schrecklich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries schrecklich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
